CHAPTER 967: A DANGEROUS AGE

Shadowy tendrils spread from Vlad’s aura, moving like living smoke through the void. They drifted toward the Viking ships, slipping through hulls and armor, then into the very Soul Dimensions of the survivors.

Each tendril pierced the spiritual core of every Legendary Viking and then moved on, diving through tens of thousands of others. The sensation was deeply uncomfortable but not harmful. The shadows did not linger, nor did they taint. Once the inspection was complete, they left each mind as silently as they came and drifted toward the next group.

From an objective standpoint, this was an exhausting and unnecessary task. These refugees, broken and half-starved, posed little value to the kingdom, and there was no real gain in bringing them in. But Vlad was not heartless.

As long as he could help them, he would. Still, the safety of his people would always come first.

He could not, and would not, allow an infiltrator like Barbatos to slip through unnoticed.

It took nearly an hour for the process to end.

By the time the last Viking’s soul had been inspected, Vlad’s body trembled with fatigue. His breathing was heavy, his energy reserves nearly drained. But his spirit was calm. He had completed the inspection, and there were no traces of deception, no hidden Lords, no false souls.

His instincts were silent. That was enough.

With a long sigh, the fusion deactivated. The True Depravitas emerged from his soul one by one, materializing around him in streaks of colored light. They formed a loose circle at his side, each nodding with quiet approval.

Their smiles were small but genuine. They understood what Vlad had done—and why.

None was more relieved than Freya.

The True Depravita of Lust would have hardened her heart if necessary, placing the safety of the Kingdom above her former people. But deep within, she still carried the echoes of Valhalla. Seeing that the refugees were truly innocent allowed her to breathe again.

Angelo and the other Legendary Vikings also understood. They knew that Vlad’s actions, though invasive, were a sign of trust. If he had wished to destroy them, they would already be ash. Instead, he had chosen to verify and protect.

A sense of relief rippled through the fleet.

They had survived the void. They had found sanctuary. For the first time in months, hope began to flicker.

None dared to speak, however. They waited in silence for instructions.

It was not Vlad who spoke next.

A burst of golden light shimmered before the refugees, and from it stepped Overlord.

The Archangel’s presence froze the air. His six radiant wings spread behind him, each one woven from divine energy. His gaze was sharp, mechanical, and devoid of emotion. To the weary Vikings, standing before him was like facing a six-headed dragon of judgment.

When he spoke, his voice was calm yet filled with the authority of an entire world.

"You will be transported to the Antaris Continent," he said. "It is a newly formed land, birthed during Terra’s evolution. It is vast, secure, and isolated. It will serve as your home."

The Vikings looked at each other, unsure whether to feel relief or fear.

"You will live under my absolute supervision," Overlord continued, his eyes glowing faintly with golden code. "For the first month, you are forbidden from leaving your homes after nightfall. No gatherings larger than ten individuals are permitted. Every one of you will be monitored—every second of every day."

A wave of discomfort passed through the Viking leaders. Frowns deepened, but none dared to speak out.

Overlord’s tone did not change.

"If after one month there are no incidents, the restrictions will lessen. You will then be allowed to gather in groups of up to one hundred. The curfew and monitoring will remain."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"If two months pass without issue, your limits will extend further. You may gather freely and remain outside your homes until midnight. After six months, should no problems arise, you will gain the right to roam freely across Antaris and engage in trade."

Finally, he concluded.

"After one full year of peace, you will earn the right of Xaos Citizenship—with all privileges and protections that come with it."

As the Vikings listened, the tension in their expressions began to soften. They could sense fairness in his words—a system of trust built step by step. Though strict, it was not cruel.

But then Overlord’s eyes glowed brighter, his voice deepening with divine power.

"However," he said, "if there is any incident—if even a single act threatens the safety of the Xaos Kingdom or its people—I will act. I do not care if the offender is old, young, man, woman, or child. I feel no mercy, and I will not hesitate."

A wave of oppressive pressure filled the void.

Angelo and the others felt their knees tremble. There was no doubt in their minds—if anyone defied this being, Overlord would slaughter them without hesitation. His presence alone was overwhelming, a perfect reflection of the cold efficiency of divine justice.

Vlad watched in silence, his face unreadable.

He was not pleased by Overlord’s ruthlessness, but he did not intervene. He had already defied logic by offering sanctuary in the first place; to challenge the A.I. Clone now would risk undermining his authority.

Overlord’s vigilance, though severe, was necessary.

Angelo exchanged glances with the other Legendary Vikings. The restrictions were harsh, yes—but not unreasonable. As long as they obeyed, their people would live.

If they behaved, if they worked hard, if they proved they carried no malice, then one day they would stand as equals under Xaos law.

That was more than they could have ever hoped for.

Finally, Angelo bowed deeply to Vlad, his voice filled with emotion.

"We gladly accept your terms. You have our eternal gratitude for granting us sanctuary in our time of need."

Vlad smiled softly and nodded.

"Then so it shall be."

Under Overlord’s guidance, the Viking fleet descended toward Terra, engines blazing like falling stars.

Their ships cut through the atmosphere and made their way to the new continent of Antaris—a land of vast plains, crystal rivers, and mountain ranges still glowing with the energy of Terra’s evolution.

Cities were already under construction along its coastlines, built by Xaos architects and infused with technology that could shape matter itself. It took only minor adjustments to prepare housing for the refugees.

When the gates of the ships opened, millions of Vikings stepped out.

Many were children.

Their small faces were pale and frightened, eyes wide as they looked upon a new sky, a new world. Behind them came mothers, fathers, elders—souls who had lost everything yet still clung to the hope of survival.

For them, this was both a beginning and an end.

Vlad watched from above. A shadow of sadness crossed his face as he saw the children clutching their parents’ hands, eyes full of fear.

They had no home, no certainty, only the fragile promise of safety.

Pity stirred in his heart, but it quickly hardened into resolve. The Xaos Kingdom had entered a dangerous age as new and powerful enemies were aiming their fangs at them.